Ijon

Ijon is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the northern part of ancient Israel. It is situated in the territory traditionally associated with the tribe of Naphtali. Ijon is noted in the biblical narrative for its capture by foreign invaders. In 1 Kings 15:20 , it is recorded that Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, attacked Israel during the reign of King Baasha and captured Ijon along with other cities: "So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all Chinnereth, as far as Naphtali." This event underscores the strategic importance of Ijon as a northern stronghold and its vulnerability to external threats.

Dan

Dan is both a city and a tribe in the biblical narrative. The city of Dan is located at the northernmost point of Israel, often referred to in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba," which signifies the entire span of the land of Israel. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The city of Dan is significant for its association with idolatry, as Jeroboam set up a golden calf there to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:28-30). Dan's location made it a key site in the defense and administration of the northern kingdom.

Abel-beth-maacah

Abel-beth-maacah is a city in the northern part of Israel, near the border with Aram (modern-day Syria). It is mentioned in several biblical accounts, notably in 2 Samuel 20:14-15 , where Sheba, son of Bichri, sought refuge there during his rebellion against King David. Joab, David's commander, besieged the city to capture Sheba. The wise woman of the city negotiated with Joab, leading to Sheba's execution and the lifting of the siege. Abel-beth-maacah is also listed among the cities captured by Ben-hadad in 1 Kings 15:20 , highlighting its strategic importance in the region.

Naphtali

Naphtali is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe's allotted territory was in the northern part of the Promised Land, encompassing fertile lands and significant trade routes. Naphtali is noted for its valor and contributions to Israel's military efforts, as seen in the Song of Deborah in Judges 5:18 : "Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield." The region of Naphtali was also a site of prophetic significance, as Isaiah 9:1-2 foretells the coming of a great light to this area, a prophecy fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who began His public ministry in Galilee, the land of Naphtali.